A rift between Spain and Trump widens over Spanish opposition to the Iran war

"Our position has been very clear from Day 1. The facts are clear. The Spanish government is not going to authorize the use of the bases in Rota and Moron for these military actions. No single country should act as a guardian of the world. We have international rules."

"With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear. And it's my understanding over the past several hours, they've agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military."

"I was still meeting with the ambassador when the White House spokesperson gave that statement."

Spain's defense minister Margarita Robles firmly rejected claims that the Spanish government had agreed to cooperate with U.S. military operations, contradicting White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement. Robles reiterated Spain's consistent position refusing to authorize use of the Rota and Moron bases for military actions related to the U.S.-Israeli conflict. President Trump had threatened to cut off all trade with Spain if the bases were not made available. The U.S. military subsequently relocated over a dozen refueling aircraft from Spain. These bases in Andalusia have been jointly operated since 1953. Robles emphasized that no single country should act as a global guardian and that international rules must be respected.

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